Game is bigger than all, says Paes ahead of Davis Cup tie

Veteran India tennis star Leander Paes does not see anything wrong in players discussing their grievances with the association but says the sport should not suffer in the process.

Eleven top players made themselves unavailable for the tie against South Korea and AITA was forced to field a depleted team for the Asia/Oceania Group I tie, starting on Friday.

Indian captain Paes speaks in a file photo. Reuters

"I personally don't believe that rebellion is important. But communication should always be open. Game is bigger than all of us, it will always will be. End of the day, sport is most important. Whether it's the Association, or players or you guys (media), essence should not be lost," Paes, a veteran of 48 Davis Cup ties, said.

"In any walk of life, battles are there to be fought but the core of, the essence of, for what we are here for, should not be lost. And that is what's being lost. Tennis should not suffer, country should not suffer," he said.

As the 39-year-old star spoke assertively about the supremacy of the game, he was asked why he chose to skip the New Zealand tie in September last year.

Asked why he did not mentor the young side in Chandigarh, he defended his decision.

"At that time, I had a prior agreement, which I had signed. In 24 years, I have missed only three ties. It's long time playing. When you have a contract, you have a commitment. The other two ties, I was injured," he said.